Newcastle United close in on Sven Botman deal

Newcastle United are ‘one step away’ from sealing the transfer of top defensive target Sven Botman.

According to Sport Italia journalist Michele Criscitiello, Newcastle United are on the verge of signing Sven Botman. After facing a slew of setbacks in their pursuit of the LOSC Lille star, the Premier League outfit appear to have finally made the breakthrough.

The report from Criscitiello suggests Newcastle are only ‘one step away’ from sealing the deal to sign Botman. So much so, the Italian journalist expects the deal to be made official within a few hours and put an end to one of the longest-running transfer sagas in European football this year.

Botman has indeed been linked with a move to Newcastle United since the January transfer window. The Dutchman was identified as the top defensive target by the new owners, but the move to St. James’ Park never really materialised as Lille were keen on keeping hold of the player in mid-season.

Despite a failed move in the winter transfer window, the links to Botman picked up steam again once again two or three months into 2022. This time around, there was a new player in the form of AC Milan. The Rossoneri identified the former Ajax starlet as an ideal long-term replacement for the ageing Simon Kjaer.

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The feeling was mutual as well, with Botman holding out for a move to San Siro for quite some time. He was waiting on a proposal from the Serie A champions, but it never really came, effectively paving the way for Newcastle United to jump in and negotiate a deal with Lille.

The Magpies are willing to meet the French club’s valuation for Botman, with the player himself now settling for a move to St. James’ Park. Although the move is far from official, it is likely the Magpies will soon get the deal over the line after making huge strides in the pursuit of the Dutch international.

It remains unclear whether the potential arrival of Botman could impact Newcastle’s pursuit of Mario Hermoso. But the 22-year-old former Ajax starlet is sure to upgrade the club’s options at the back, as coach Eddie Howe looks to launch a bid for the European places in the coming season.